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Eight Seconds
Triumph, hardship, true grit...and one crazy dream.
An inspirational story about one woman, with one dream, and one almighty driving passion.
Grace Lucas knows from an early age that climbing onto a bucking animal and holding on is exactly what she wants. When Grace wins her first poddy ride at the age of twelve but is refused the first prize trophy because she's a girl, it stirs a fierce streak that won't rest - not until she's allowed to compete in the sport she loves as an equal and be recognised for it.
Erin Blackwater comes into Grace's life many years after her bull riding days are over, at a time when she has questions and doubts about how her own life is tracking. Employed by a medical research company to record Grace's miracle recovery, Grace teaches Erin the importance of living life to the fullest without fear or regrets. Or life will leave you behind.
Encapsulating the Australian outback landscape of the sixties and seventies, with a storyline weaving in and out of the present day, this story is inspired by one woman, with one dream, and one almighty driving passion. With every adversity in her way, Grace pushes past the barriers and succeeds in a male dominated sport, and creates a new legend.
An inspirational story about one woman, with one dream, and one almighty driving passion.
Grace Lucas knows from an early age that climbing onto a bucking animal and holding on is exactly what she wants. When Grace wins her first poddy ride at the age of twelve but is refused the first prize trophy because she's a girl, it stirs a fierce streak that won't rest - not until she's allowed to compete in the sport she loves as an equal and be recognised for it.
Erin Blackwater comes into Grace's life many years after her bull riding days are over, at a time when she has questions and doubts about how her own life is tracking. Employed by a medical research company to record Grace's miracle recovery, Grace teaches Erin the importance of living life to the fullest without fear or regrets. Or life will leave you behind.
Encapsulating the Australian outback landscape of the sixties and seventies, with a storyline weaving in and out of the present day, this story is inspired by one woman, with one dream, and one almighty driving passion. With every adversity in her way, Grace pushes past the barriers and succeeds in a male dominated sport, and creates a new legend.
298 pages, Paperback
Published September 15, 2022
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Frances Dall'Alba
39 books31 followersAs a contemporary romance author, Frances loves nothing more than losing herself in a good romance. She's all about helping you forget the housework, or the bus to work you're going to miss, if you don't put the book down now!
She's devoted to giving her readers an emotional, passionate, possibly some ugly-cry, fairly steamy love story, that'll melt your heart and have you fighting for the happy ending right until the end.
Frances sets her books in North Queensland. She makes no excuses if some of her settings include amazing lakes and waterfalls, stunning views from tops of mountains, spectacular outback scenes, or crystal-clear creeks shadowed by tropical rainforest.
When she isn't writing, Frances is climbing mountains, searching for waterfalls and swimming across lakes. She loves to exercise, would prefer it if someone else cooked dinner every night, and never notices dust on the furniture.
She lives with her husband in tropical Far North Queensland, Australia, and uses her great baking skills to tempt her three daughters to visit home as often as they can.
You can find Frances at: https://francesdallalba.wixsite.com/f...
She's devoted to giving her readers an emotional, passionate, possibly some ugly-cry, fairly steamy love story, that'll melt your heart and have you fighting for the happy ending right until the end.
Frances sets her books in North Queensland. She makes no excuses if some of her settings include amazing lakes and waterfalls, stunning views from tops of mountains, spectacular outback scenes, or crystal-clear creeks shadowed by tropical rainforest.
When she isn't writing, Frances is climbing mountains, searching for waterfalls and swimming across lakes. She loves to exercise, would prefer it if someone else cooked dinner every night, and never notices dust on the furniture.
She lives with her husband in tropical Far North Queensland, Australia, and uses her great baking skills to tempt her three daughters to visit home as often as they can.
You can find Frances at: https://francesdallalba.wixsite.com/f...
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 8, 2022
Thank you Frances for gifting us a copy to read and review.
Humans have a timeline and it’s punctuated with love and anguish and of course with good and bad decisions.
In this our leading lady has a passion for riding the bucking bulls, flirting with danger and enjoying the exhilaration.
Cowardice abusers are not visible as a wild bull can inflict the same damage.
Grace grew up knowing what triggered her dad into abusive rants.
Riding a calf at rodeo as a child cemented a desire and a confidence.
It also briefly shows she is worthy of her dad’s admiration.
Running away and returning, a pattern that dictates her timeline.
Finding partners that seem to mirror her father and restricting her social networks. Emotional and physical violation at its extreme.
Meeting Erin while recovering is an empowering part of her timeline.
She encouraged Grace to live her life and not live in fear.
An inspirational story of courage and passion set against an outback backdrop.
Showing how social climates have changed since the sixties but elements of similar behaviour survive the decades.
A riveting read that weaves the two lines together and captures the essence of the outback.
Grace is likeable and her strength cannot be denied but I think her compliance to stay in unhealthy environments reflects a sad reality.
Rural fiction is of a high quality in this country and I now have another author to watch out for.
Humans have a timeline and it’s punctuated with love and anguish and of course with good and bad decisions.
In this our leading lady has a passion for riding the bucking bulls, flirting with danger and enjoying the exhilaration.
Cowardice abusers are not visible as a wild bull can inflict the same damage.
Grace grew up knowing what triggered her dad into abusive rants.
Riding a calf at rodeo as a child cemented a desire and a confidence.
It also briefly shows she is worthy of her dad’s admiration.
Running away and returning, a pattern that dictates her timeline.
Finding partners that seem to mirror her father and restricting her social networks. Emotional and physical violation at its extreme.
Meeting Erin while recovering is an empowering part of her timeline.
She encouraged Grace to live her life and not live in fear.
An inspirational story of courage and passion set against an outback backdrop.
Showing how social climates have changed since the sixties but elements of similar behaviour survive the decades.
A riveting read that weaves the two lines together and captures the essence of the outback.
Grace is likeable and her strength cannot be denied but I think her compliance to stay in unhealthy environments reflects a sad reality.
Rural fiction is of a high quality in this country and I now have another author to watch out for.
February 27, 2023
Based on the life of Dianne Lucas Luppi, this contemporary fiction book takes us through the decades of the 60's, 70's and the present day. Enjoyable read. Frances Dall'Alba did a fantastic job writing Eight Seconds.
October 24, 2022
‘Grace Lucas’ was a young girl with big dreams. She lived an early life unnoticed but found comfort and love in horses. Her heart was rich with joy when she was with a horse, despite the abuse she endured throughout her life, starting when she was just a young girl.
Set during the ’60s & ’70s in the Australian Outback, we follow Grace’s life with each chapter, weaving in and out of the present day. Cleverly retold in this way, I was engulfed in not one incredible story of survival but two. The underlying theme, which is very relevant today, explores ageism, sexism, and misogynist behaviour and how despite hindering her throughout her life, became the driving force behind her will to succeed. Grace is a survivor and a lover of rodeo, which makes her a compelling and inspiring lead character in ‘Eight Seconds.’
‘Eight Seconds’ is a narrative about how Grace Lucas became Australia’s first female bull rider and, consequently, a 2-time Hall of Fame inductee. She ended her career in Mareeba, right on my doorstep. I especially enjoyed reading about her travels throughout the region and the happier times of her life, spent right here in Far North Queensland.
There have been times in her life when Grace was just like one of us, but there were also countless times when she became a superstar, a shining light, and a gobsmackingly courageous woman. She’s not Australia’s best FEMALE bull rider, she’s one of the best bull riders, period. Eight seconds was the goal, which kept her passion alive and her adrenalin pumping.
What I found extremely enticing about this book is that Dall’alba’s usual genre, romance, can be felt throughout ‘Eight Seconds’. Although not a romance novel, ‘Eight Seconds’ carries the same warmth and level of drama that you often find when reading the romance genre. I liked it, surprisingly, and not being a big reader of romance novels – actually never read a romance novel! – I found myself wanting to read Dall’alba’s other books (all of which are romance novels). Well done, Frances!
This book I’m sure this will be a great success. Appealing to so many; horse lovers, rodeo fanatics, abuse survivors, single parents, and lovers of Australian history and the outback, I have no doubt almost any Australian would enjoy the incredible story of Grace Lucas. My mum has my copy at the moment, but the next stop will be family in Mareeba, who have been born and bred in the region and I’m sure will thoroughly enjoy reading about a local legend in Grace Lucas.
Set during the ’60s & ’70s in the Australian Outback, we follow Grace’s life with each chapter, weaving in and out of the present day. Cleverly retold in this way, I was engulfed in not one incredible story of survival but two. The underlying theme, which is very relevant today, explores ageism, sexism, and misogynist behaviour and how despite hindering her throughout her life, became the driving force behind her will to succeed. Grace is a survivor and a lover of rodeo, which makes her a compelling and inspiring lead character in ‘Eight Seconds.’
‘Eight Seconds’ is a narrative about how Grace Lucas became Australia’s first female bull rider and, consequently, a 2-time Hall of Fame inductee. She ended her career in Mareeba, right on my doorstep. I especially enjoyed reading about her travels throughout the region and the happier times of her life, spent right here in Far North Queensland.
There have been times in her life when Grace was just like one of us, but there were also countless times when she became a superstar, a shining light, and a gobsmackingly courageous woman. She’s not Australia’s best FEMALE bull rider, she’s one of the best bull riders, period. Eight seconds was the goal, which kept her passion alive and her adrenalin pumping.
What I found extremely enticing about this book is that Dall’alba’s usual genre, romance, can be felt throughout ‘Eight Seconds’. Although not a romance novel, ‘Eight Seconds’ carries the same warmth and level of drama that you often find when reading the romance genre. I liked it, surprisingly, and not being a big reader of romance novels – actually never read a romance novel! – I found myself wanting to read Dall’alba’s other books (all of which are romance novels). Well done, Frances!
This book I’m sure this will be a great success. Appealing to so many; horse lovers, rodeo fanatics, abuse survivors, single parents, and lovers of Australian history and the outback, I have no doubt almost any Australian would enjoy the incredible story of Grace Lucas. My mum has my copy at the moment, but the next stop will be family in Mareeba, who have been born and bred in the region and I’m sure will thoroughly enjoy reading about a local legend in Grace Lucas.
November 22, 2022
This is quite an interesting read depicting the life of Grace who against all odds had her records in the anals of history as the first woman to compete in bull riding. She did not let her family background and father's lack of love deter her from what she likes doing and struggled at it until she excelled.
She impacted Erin's life as well and taught her to live life to the fullest and not allow anything or anyone to stop her. Erin was at a critical stage of her life, she's unsure of which way to go. She just put her medical studies on hold to see if it's something she still wants to do or to have a career change.
"I received this book from eBook discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review".
She impacted Erin's life as well and taught her to live life to the fullest and not allow anything or anyone to stop her. Erin was at a critical stage of her life, she's unsure of which way to go. She just put her medical studies on hold to see if it's something she still wants to do or to have a career change.
"I received this book from eBook discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review".
October 20, 2022
An incredible novel based on the life of Dianne Lucas Luppi, I found myself riveted to my chair as I read the story of this incredible woman who has her place in the Women's Museum of Australia (previously known as the Australian Women's Hall of Fame). Sent to research the background to Grace Lucas's incredible recovery from a life-threatening disease, Erin Blackwater discovers a woman with stamina and determination, not to mention sheer willpower, to overcome the odds and once more be seated upon her horse. Erin learns far more than the details of Grace's life, as this remarkable woman steers Erin in the right direction to deal with the stresses in her own life. Despite her successes, Grace's life has not been without its trauma and tragedies, which finally forced her down to the lowest point of her life. Yet, like every strong-minded woman, and with the help of her good friend, she found her way up once again leading her to the success of a lifetime. This biographical novel is well written, although I did find it confusing at times when the story swung from past to present, also incorporating Erin's story. However, it all finally came together, bringing a wonderful sense of achievement. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
November 15, 2022
Such a beautiful book, and made even more inspiring once I found that the story of Grace was based on the life of a remarkable woman, Dianne Lucas Luppi. Entwined with Erin's story as she delves into Grace's past in her job as a medical researcher, we find two women who have travelled challenging lives and both emerged stronger in the end.
I loved everything about this book, and was sad to finish it, I just wanted it to go on forever. Thank you to Frances Dall'Alba for an amazing book, I have loved everything of yours that I have read. And thank you to BookSirens for allowing me to read this beautiful book, I am delighted to give my unbiased review.
I loved everything about this book, and was sad to finish it, I just wanted it to go on forever. Thank you to Frances Dall'Alba for an amazing book, I have loved everything of yours that I have read. And thank you to BookSirens for allowing me to read this beautiful book, I am delighted to give my unbiased review.
November 12, 2022
Frances has written a wonderful story entwining two women's journeys through hardship, challenges and love. It's about never giving up and being brave. This is why her novel is so inspirational and page turning. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
March 18, 2023
Thank you, so much Beauty and Lace, this is the third book of Frances Dall’Alba that I’ve read, I was rivetted to the story and really enjoyed that Grace’s story is based on Dianne Lucas Lippi an inspirational woman giving the boys a run for their money and smashing through that stereotypical glass ceiling. With Grace proving that if you have the passion and the drive, accepting no is just not an option and showing that anything the men can do, women can do better.
Grace finds peace and solace with Liz’s family who treat her more like a daughter than her own father does and loves nothing more than riding bareback with the smell of the eucalypt, and wildflowers surrounding them.
A dual timeline story, featuring Western Australia’s North, flitting back to Grace’s youth as Grace wondered why her mother never sided with her and didn’t intervene when her father dealt out his undeserved punishment. Then present day when accident prone Erin stumbles into Grace’s ward, Grace is taken aback as to how quickly she warms to the young researcher and as she learns more of Erin’s story. How alike their family life mirrors each other’s, and maybe Grace could convince Erin of her profound love of horses, and how life changing they can be and the impact they make on your life, and that they’ll open your eyes and how you can’t help but then see the world from a totally different perspective.
Grace finds peace and solace with Liz’s family who treat her more like a daughter than her own father does and loves nothing more than riding bareback with the smell of the eucalypt, and wildflowers surrounding them.
A dual timeline story, featuring Western Australia’s North, flitting back to Grace’s youth as Grace wondered why her mother never sided with her and didn’t intervene when her father dealt out his undeserved punishment. Then present day when accident prone Erin stumbles into Grace’s ward, Grace is taken aback as to how quickly she warms to the young researcher and as she learns more of Erin’s story. How alike their family life mirrors each other’s, and maybe Grace could convince Erin of her profound love of horses, and how life changing they can be and the impact they make on your life, and that they’ll open your eyes and how you can’t help but then see the world from a totally different perspective.
April 18, 2023
Strength, stubborn, health challenged, passionate and unfortunate - these words could all be used to describe Grace. She's had a life and a half, achievements and tragedy. She liked to live her life 8 seconds at a time, she liked to feel the adrenaline and fear of bull riding.
Erin is at a point in her life where changes need to happen, decisions need to be made and in the interim, she has a job to do. She has taken a year off from studying medicine, much to the disgust of her family and boyfriend. But her work in medical research will hope to help her to get to her goal, to find the answers she seeks. She didn't count on Grace, the client she has to interview to find out her medical trail, how she got to where she is. She didn't count on a life story to go with the medical, of an invitation to think about another life. Is she brave enough to follow Grace's lead?
Frances Dall'Alba writes a great story, drawing you in, helping you emote. I really enjoyed this read, thanks Beauty and Lace and Book Sirens for giving me the opportunity.
Erin is at a point in her life where changes need to happen, decisions need to be made and in the interim, she has a job to do. She has taken a year off from studying medicine, much to the disgust of her family and boyfriend. But her work in medical research will hope to help her to get to her goal, to find the answers she seeks. She didn't count on Grace, the client she has to interview to find out her medical trail, how she got to where she is. She didn't count on a life story to go with the medical, of an invitation to think about another life. Is she brave enough to follow Grace's lead?
Frances Dall'Alba writes a great story, drawing you in, helping you emote. I really enjoyed this read, thanks Beauty and Lace and Book Sirens for giving me the opportunity.
August 25, 2023
A fascinating parallel story-line of Grace’s memories starting in the late 60’s and Erin’s story in the ‘present day’, as she records Grace’s medical history.
Grace escaped from an abusive father to spend her life as closely as possible with horses, often being mistaken for a boy. An unacknowledged rodeo champion, she is an ardent supporter of gender equality who has defeated death on several occasions…
Erin, expected to conform to the family tradition of medical training has doubts about her calling, and has to deal with ‘manipulation’ from her partner, also a medical specialist. During a sabbatical from her studies, she accepts a position with a medical research company and meets Grace and, subsequently veterinarian .
The two women, vastly differing in age, form a strong bond, giving Erin the courage to choose her own path in life.
Frances Dall’Alba does not disappoint her readers!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Grace escaped from an abusive father to spend her life as closely as possible with horses, often being mistaken for a boy. An unacknowledged rodeo champion, she is an ardent supporter of gender equality who has defeated death on several occasions…
Erin, expected to conform to the family tradition of medical training has doubts about her calling, and has to deal with ‘manipulation’ from her partner, also a medical specialist. During a sabbatical from her studies, she accepts a position with a medical research company and meets Grace and, subsequently veterinarian .
The two women, vastly differing in age, form a strong bond, giving Erin the courage to choose her own path in life.
Frances Dall’Alba does not disappoint her readers!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 26, 2023
An original twist on a dual-timeline story. A historical timeline tells the story of Grace Lucus' dream of becoming the first woman to ride and win a bucking bull. This is based on the true story of Dianne Luppi and her insane life achievements. A gut-wrenching tale that shows no matter how much you might suffer in life, determination can get you a long way.
Grace's story is interwoven with Erin's modern-day timeline where she's interviewing Grace and researching her health battles over the years. While Erin's story is fictional, it ties in so well with Grace's story it is as though these two people truly did know each other in real life.
Both stories are inspirational and must reads. Another great read from Frances.
Grace's story is interwoven with Erin's modern-day timeline where she's interviewing Grace and researching her health battles over the years. While Erin's story is fictional, it ties in so well with Grace's story it is as though these two people truly did know each other in real life.
Both stories are inspirational and must reads. Another great read from Frances.
January 21, 2023
This novel is based on the life of Dianne Lucas Luppi. It is a biographical novel, well written, and takes us between the 60s, 70s, and present-day Australia. I normally read contemporary romance but this was enjoyable.
January 16, 2023
This was a very enjoyable read, inspired by the real life events of a trail-blazing Aussie and cleverly woven through with a present-day, romantic story.
May 20, 2023
I'm not usually a fan of books that jump from past to present and back again but this was different. The first chapter reeled me in hook, line and sinker!
I absolutely fell in love with the characters and their stories but most of Grace! What I wouldn't give to spend hours with her reliving all of her memories! What an amazing woman!
When finishing the book I was pleasantly surprised to read the authors note about how the story came about and am very impressed with the research that went into it. Inspired by Dianne Luppi, the author was able to write a story based on her remarkable history.
Thank you Beauty and Lace and Frances Dall'alba for the opportunity to read and review 8 Seconds. It was an absolute masterpiece!
I absolutely fell in love with the characters and their stories but most of Grace! What I wouldn't give to spend hours with her reliving all of her memories! What an amazing woman!
When finishing the book I was pleasantly surprised to read the authors note about how the story came about and am very impressed with the research that went into it. Inspired by Dianne Luppi, the author was able to write a story based on her remarkable history.
Thank you Beauty and Lace and Frances Dall'alba for the opportunity to read and review 8 Seconds. It was an absolute masterpiece!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews